LAS VEGAS — Aaliyah Alexander’s second-chance 3-pointer with 25 seconds remaining ended a long UNLV scoring drought and secured a 69-58 win over Utah State on Wednesday at The Pavilion.
UNLV committed 17 turnovers but recovered 18 offensive rebounds, with Shelbee Brown and Meadow Roland combining for 30 rebounds overall.
One second-quarter possession showed how UNLV recovered a missed chance: Roland rebounded Alexander’s missed layup, drew a foul and made both free throws. She then collected a defensive rebound and assisted Jasmyn Lott’s 3-pointer at the other end.
The Lady Rebels improved to 5-0 in Mountain West play behind 23 points from Jasmyn Lott and 18 points and 14 rebounds from Meadow Roland. Shelbee Brown had 16 points and 16 rebounds.
The Lady Rebels finished with a 47-32 rebounding advantage while holding the Aggies to 34.8% shooting.
Utah State scored its first eight points from offensive rebounds and UNLV turnovers. The Lady Rebels recovered and closed the first quarter on a 10-2 run.
UNLV Regained Control After a Sloppy Start
Sophie Sene supplied two early second-chance layups for Utah State. A UNLV turnover also led to her basket for an 8-7 Aggies lead.
UNLV made four of six 3-pointers in the first quarter, supplying points from outside as the Lady Rebels recovered the early deficit.
By halftime, the Lady Rebels led 39-28.
Rebounding Became the Biggest Difference
The Aggies collected 14 offensive rebounds of their own and used them to create several runs, particularly after halftime, but they could not match UNLV’s overall work on the glass.
Lott and Roland Carried the Scoring Load
Lott made nine of 14 shots, including three of six 3-pointers.
Roland provided another scoring option inside and out, making seven of 18 shots and two 3-pointers.
Utah State Continued to Push in the Second Half
Utah State cut the lead to 66-58 on Sene’s two free throws with 2:50 left. The Aggies did not score again.
UNLV’s own drought had begun after Roland’s layup with 4:31 remaining. Alexander ended it after Lott recovered a Roland miss, turning that offensive rebound into the final 3-pointer.
Roland then blocked Bella Cosme’s 3-point attempt with 11 seconds left, and Brown secured the rebound.
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